This is our January pick for #LBCWSwan. Queenie Jenkins can't cut a break. Well, apart from the one from her long term boyfriend, Tom. That's definitely just a break though. Definitely not a break up. Then there's her boss who doesn't seem to see her and her Caribbean family who don't seem to listen (if … Continue reading #NowReading Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
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Read a book today – an excellent start to the year!
After my breakfast, I sat down for a solid read. ‘‘Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas” by Adam Kay is 140 pages long, so a genius first book of the year choice. This book follows on from his bestselling “This is going to hurt” - with a focus on seasonal anecdotes. However, there was something different … Continue reading Read a book today – an excellent start to the year!
Now Listening – Iceland’s Dark Lullabies
In 2017, BBC released a documentary that I've enjoyed relistening to today. Dreaming of a Dark Christmas, in Iceland At the darkest time of the year in Iceland scary creatures come out to play. Storyteller Andri Snær Magnason used to be terrified by his grandmother's Christmas tales of Gryla the 900 year old child eating … Continue reading Now Listening – Iceland’s Dark Lullabies
Merry Christmas!
To all who are celebrating. And especial thoughts to key workers - thank you for all you’ve done this year (and every other!).
#NowReading (well… #NowStarting) The Hogfather
For our Christmas book club, LBCWSwan has selected The Hogfather by Terry Pratchett. BLURB: ‘THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING IN THE STOCKING THAT MAKES A NOISE,’ said Death, ‘OTHERWISE, WHAT IS 4:30 A.M. FOR?’ It’s the night before Hogswatch. And it’s too quiet. Superstition makes things work in the Discworld, and undermining it can have … Continue reading #NowReading (well… #NowStarting) The Hogfather
Now reading …
The Stranger by Harlan Coben for #LBCHorsforth The Stranger appears out of nowhere, perhaps in a bar, or a parking lot, or at the grocery store. His identity is unknown. His motives are unclear. His information is undeniable. Then he whispers a few words in your ear and disappears, leaving you picking up the pieces … Continue reading Now reading …
By Heart – Attempt 1 – The Eagle by Alfred Tennyson
I decided to start my lockdown project this morning. Ted Hughes uses his introduction to recommend an older technique to learn poems off. Learning by rote - he argues - was an attempt ‘to eradicate imagery from all aspects of life’ by the Puritan/political ascendency of the Civil War and has become the norm. However, … Continue reading By Heart – Attempt 1 – The Eagle by Alfred Tennyson
A friend sent me this
After yesterday’s blog. (We don’t have a credit, so if you’re it, please let me know!) I love this! Such a positive picture!
Bookshops *are* essential. And now more than ever!!
The Guardian has a piece on why book shops should be considered essential during this second lockdown. In a letter to government ministers today, the BA’s managing director Meryl Halls described bookshops as “lanterns of civilisation and, for many, beacons of hope”. Keeping them closed while allowing other retailers who sell books to remain open … Continue reading Bookshops *are* essential. And now more than ever!!
Lockdown Reads
Have decided to try and learn some poems By Heart so have finally opened my long owned, never read copy of this: By Heart 101 Poems to Remember. Introduction by Ted Hughes I don’t expect to learn a poem a day, but I’m loving the selection so far. Besides, with all the politicians saying lockdown … Continue reading Lockdown Reads
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